IF you are well, I am glad. After sending you the letter written in
conjunction with Oppius, I have received one from Caesar, of which I
am sending you a copy. From this you will be able to see how
desirous he is for a reconciliation between himself and Pompey, and
how averse from every thought of cruelty. That such are his
sentiments I

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am, as in duty bound, greatly rejoiced. As to yourself, you?
good faith, and your piety, I entertain the same opinion as you do
yourself, my dear Cicero—that your reputation and duty cannot admit
of your bearing arms against a man from whom you avow having
received so much kindness. I have full assurance that Caesar, as
might be expected from his extraordinary kindness, will approve of
this course, and I know for certain that you will satisfy him to the
full by undertaking no command in the war against him, and by not
associating yourself with his adversaries. And it is not only in the
case of a man of such a high position and character as yourself that
he will accept this as sufficient, but even in my own case he has
volunteered the concession, that I should not serve in any camp that
shall, in the future, be opposed to either Lentulus or Pompey, to
whom I am under very great obligations; and he has told me that he
will be satisfied with my performing civil functions for him, which I
am at liberty to perform for them also if I choose. Accordingly, I am
now at Rome acting for Lentulus generally, taking his business upon
me, and doing for them all that duty, honour, and piety demand. But,
by heaven, the hope of their coming to terms, which I had given up, I
now think not entirely desperate, since Caesar is minded as we are
bound to wish him to be. In the circumstances my opinion is, if you
think well, that you should write to him and ask him for protection,
as, with my full approbation, you asked it from Pompey at the
Milonian crisis.
[Note]
I will engage, if I am right in my judgment of
Caesar, that he will take more thought for your dignity than for his
own advantage. I am no certain judge of the wisdom of the advice I
am now giving you, but at least I am sure that whatever I write to
you I write from an uncommon affection and friendly disposition;
because upon my life—which I would forfeit to save Caesar—I value
you so highly, that I regard few as equally dear as yourself. When
you have come to some conclusion on this

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matter, let me hear from you. For I am uncommonly anxious that
you may find it possible to make good your kindly intentions to both
sides; which, by heaven, I feel sure you will do. Take care of your
health.